Shimming A Door Hinge To Keep The Door Open

Most pre hung doors come with a 1 8 inch gap between the door and the frame on the hinge side and the top.

Shimming a door hinge to keep the door open.

Sometimes the gap is far too wide. To readjust the door frame you have to remove the trim along the latch side to get at the shims. Adjust the gap by bending the hinges. If the problem persists repeat the process to add a second shim to the hinge.

If it is still swinging open on its own repeat this process with the bottom hinge. I ve seen shims used behind the hinge leaf to adjust the gap but bending the hinge takes less time. This job can be a hassle especially if you have painted trim. Slip a 1 16 in thick cardboard shim strip behind each hinge photos with steps 1 and 2 below.

You can buy them at home centers or online for less than 15. Self centering bits come in sizes to fit cabinet and full size door hinges. Reinsert the pin tapping it gently into place from the top with your hammer. This video will cover the basics of shim.

So try this trick first. The solution that worked for me was to shim between the door frame and door hinge. Remove the shim and test the door. Open the hinge side gap by spreading the hinges.

As you can see in the initial picture and video the latch was lower than the striker plate. Open and close your door then let it hang freely to test whether the door is now level enough to work properly. When shimming the door the goal is to make sure that once the frame is nailed the gap between the door and the frame is equal all around the door. If the door has three hinges remove the screws from the middle hinge as well.

Remove the screws from the hinge you need to shim using a screwdriver or a drill and screwdriver bit.